The following are items you may want to include in your kit because they could make a survival situation more bearable.
Ø Duct tape (can be used to close the face opening in your instant body shelter; to patch clothing, as an emergency bandage tape, etc.)
Ø Signal (a mirror, a bright orange bandanna or other piece of brightly colored cloth, or anything else that could attract attention from a distance.)
Ø Two or three bouillon cubes
Ø Two or three flavored drink-mix packets
Ø Two or three adhesive bandages
Ø Money for a phone call
Ø Nylon fishing line (50 feet) and hooks
Ø 24 feet of thin (18 gauge) wire
Ø Emergency Blanket/Rescue Blanket
In addition there are two basic items that always should be carried on your person, rather than in your pack-a garbage bad and a whistle. Your pack could become separated from you even on a very short hike.
If a sudden storm were to dump rain or snow, you would need to protect yourself immediately from the dampness and cold. Even in summer, unexpected storms happen, especially in mountainous areas. A large, heavy-duty plastic bag, the 30- to 39- gallon size and preferably a bright color, is one of the best instant body shelters you can have. It takes up little space and weighs only a few ounces.
A Whistle is far superior to shouting because it can be heard over greater distances –1/2 to 2 miles, and in some cases, even farther. Your voice might carry a few hundred yards in the best circumstances. Beside, using a whistle requires less energy.
Wear your whistle on a coiled lanyard around your wrist, or suspended form your neck on a lanyard that is not so strong that it won’t break if necessary to prevent strangling.